The reports from the Philippines have gripped my heart this last week as the devastation from Typhoon Haiyan, also called Yolando, continues to unfold. In many ways, it reminds me of 3.11.2011 when the triple disaster hit Japan.
As people have contacted me to see if we are involved, several principles came to mind from the lessons learned of our efforts in coming alongside well-positioned local pastors and churches. I thought it might be helpful to share those principles. A3 is not presently operating in the Philippines, however, we hope to open the country in the coming year or two. Thus, we are recommending a number of groups through which to partner in the relief efforts; groups that operate on similar principles to these.
Thank you for your generous support and prayers to bring hope and healing to the nation of Japan the last few years following the horrific tragedy of March 11, 2011. Through your partnership, we are seeing a tremendous outpouring of spiritual responses... responses like I have never seen before in Japan. It is clearly a kairos moment for the people of Japan!
I want to alert you to our recent summary of all the disaster relief projects you have invested in to help make this a reality...
About once a month or so I posted a quick note on social media offering to pray for my friends. It’s surprising to see how many respond. I simply say something like, “I’m praying for you… Please share your requests.” Most of the time, I’ll have anywhere from one to five people...
Global Survey on Theological Education Affirms A2I recently participated in a global survey on theological education for a report to be given this fall at the World Council of Churches 10th Assembly being held in Busan. The findings were telling… Many of them highlight the importance of unique leader development ministries like A3.
My son, John, and I had the privilege of attending a seminar with Trey Hillman, LA Dodgers bench coach and former Japan world series manager for the Sapporo Fighters. Trey sprinkled his presentation with several powerful principles of leadership as he spoke to a mostly Japanese speaking audience at Union Church in Los Angeles' Little Tokyo.
I was very impressed with what Coach Hillman shared:
First, he shared how he learned to respect Japanese culture...
What an inspirational graduation!
A3/Bangladesh graduated its first group of emerging young leaders from a predominantly Muslim dominant nation. It's the first of it's kind for A3!
It was inspiring to see these twenty and thirty something pastors graduate together. I don't believe I have ever seen a more enthusiastic graduating class. They were fun and it was encouraging to see them own our vision and respond to the call to...
The last two weeks have been powerful as the A3 family came together (first in Japan and then in Singapore). Leaders from twelve nations gathered across these two weeks to learn together, grow together, and strengthen our common bonds as we seek "to see a vibrant community of servant leaders… leading the Church across Asia… who unite the Church, multiply leaders and congregations, and extend the transforming power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ."
A few weeks ago, Ajith Fernando A3 reference council member and leader with Youth For Christ – Sri Lanka, spoke at the graduation ceremony for A3/Sri Lanka. What a fantastic dinner filled with stories of how the A3 community transformed a new group of emerging young leaders. Both women and men graduates shared how the process deeply impacted and touched them.
Along the way, Ajith shared some excellent words...
A beautiful country sits like a jewel in the center of Southeast Asia. Ruled by a totalitarian regime for decades, it is home to a growing population of Christians with a vision for growth. What do they need most to move forward? Skilled, trained, and mature leadership.
When the current regime came to power, this nation lost nearly 90% of their experienced Christian leaders. Over time, new generations of leaders have emerged in the country and persevered despite significant restrictions. In fact, the church here is growing at a rate of...
When I was young, I couldn't wait for Christmas and my birthday. Those dates meant special gifts were coming my way and I was eager to receive them! I remember the month building up between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was filled with anticipation. What would Santa Claus, my parents or my relatives give me for Christmas? I was dying to find out. There were times I would try to sneak a peek...
What a joy it is for me to welcome William F. Duncan to join the board of A3! In many ways, Bill's addition to our team compliments the fruitful season A3 is having in ministry.
As you may have already heard, this has been a game changing year for the ministry in Japan and a year which has positioned us for great growth across the continent of Asia.
Here are a few news reports to track our growth...
It's been a terrific week here in Seoul. I love coming here because of the vibrancy of the city and one of the cleanest and best airports in the world. I was here for the Asian Leadership Forum and on the way in learned that several old friends were in town for different events as well.
So, we got together for some awesome Korean BBQ. It was fun catching up with friends Erwin McManus, pastor at Mosaic Church, and A3 reference council member Dave Gibbons, pastor at Newsong Church. We hadn't seen each other in quite some time so hanging out was loads of fun. These guys are doing catalytic work, and I'm proud of what they are doing for the good of Christ...
Great news for Japan! The Maclellan Foundation, Inc. has extended to A3 a $200,000 matching challenge for church multiplication and leadership development in Japan! That means every dollar you designate toward this effort will be matched dollar for dollar if it is received before December 31, 2013. Please click here to double your gift.
Hugh O. Maclellan, Jr., chairman, recently had this to say about A3:
"I have full confidence in A3 as their track record for developing leaders is strong and impressive. Their successful church multiplication model has impacted thousands of lives worldwide."
After Maclellan representatives saw the openness of people since the earthquake and tsunami, they were so impressed...
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For over half a century, A3 has catalyzed movements in Asia. Now, with doors open in the Middle East, North Africa, and the West, we have boldly stepped in...
TO CHANGE THE FEW WHO CHANGE THE MANY.
Our new name A3 reflects the broadening impact of our distinctive learning communities in 25+ countries on 4 continents.
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